A FUND offering grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary groups and charities helping refugees and asylum seekers has reopened for applications.

The Dorset Welcome Fund aims to support community action that helps refugees and asylum seekers of any nationality arriving, residing, or settling in the county.

The fund is being supported with contributions of £50,000 from Dorset Council and £30,000 from BCP Council, as well as from Dorset Community Foundation fundholders.

Examples of activities and services eligible for funding include community events and activities to combat isolation, wellbeing projects adapted or targeted towards refugees and asylum seekers, cultural heritage activities for children and young people, services to support improved mental health, advice and advocacy support, activities supporting English language skills or routes into employment andvolunteering or providing practical items such as clothing, bedding or mobile phones.

Groups established for less than six months can also apply but will only be eligible for a maximum grant of £2,000.

The fund was launched in 2022, inspired by the plight of Ukrainians fleeing to the UK in the wake of the Russian invasion.

It has subsequently awarded more than £80,000 to 18 projects across the county.

There will be two rounds of funding in 2024:
Round 1 application window: March 25 to noon on May 3
Round 2 application window: September 9 to noon on October 11